JUDICIAL OFFICER - INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

JUDICIAL OFFICER - INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

SUPERIOR COURT OF FULTON COUNTY

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE POSITION OF

JUDICIAL OFFICER - INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

SALARY GRADE

Unclassified Position

(Current Vacancy in Family Division)

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

The Superior Court of Fulton County Georgia (“Court”) has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Judicial Officer.

Superior Court is Georgia's busiest trial court of general jurisdiction. The Court seeks to provide a forum in which legal disputes between citizens can be resolved in a fair and efficient process with attention to equal access, impartiality, efficiency, and safety.

Selection Process:

The committee shall also include the chairperson and the immediate past chairperson of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Family Law Section, as well as two community representatives involved in family-related services. Upon receipt of the Nominating Committee’s recommendation(s), the Court will make its appointment(s) at its discretion, with the understanding that the authority to appoint Judicial Officers rests solely with the Court. The nominating committee shall review applications and make recommendations for the selection of Judicial Officers for the Family Division.

Minimum Qualifications; Licenses; Special Requirements

Applicants must be in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia; be a resident of Fulton County; and have substantial experience in family law, defined as at least seven (7) years of:

(a) a law practice with 50% or more devoted to family law cases;

(b) judicial experience in a court where 50% or more of the docket consists of family law cases; or

(c) a combination of both.

Applicants must also demonstrate good moral character, possess the temperament necessary to handle domestic relations matters, and be well-regarded by the Bar for their experience and knowledge. Each Judicial Officer shall be appointed as a Magistrate Judge in accordance with applicable law.

Training:

Each Judicial Officer shall complete twenty (20) hours of training within the first calendar year of appointment, including four (4) hours of domestic violence training coordinated through the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Coordinating Council in partnership with the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers, and the Family Division’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Seminar.

Thereafter, each Judicial Officer shall complete annual training consistent with the requirements of the State Bar of Georgia or, alternatively, satisfy the training requirements applicable to magistrates under governing law.

Duties:

Judicial Officers serve by designation of the Judges of the Superior Court of Fulton County and exercise judicial authority as authorized by law, court rules, and applicable administrative orders. Judicial Officers are responsible for presiding over assigned Family Division proceedings, conducting hearings, managing assigned dockets, evaluating evidence and legal arguments, issuing rulings, and entering appropriate orders consistent with the authority delegated by the Court.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Presiding over assigned Family Division calendars, including status conferences, scheduling conferences, and other case management proceedings.

• Hearing and ruling on motions and contested matters, including discovery disputes, venue issues, service of process matters, and other procedural issues.

• Conducting hearings and entering orders in domestic relations matters, including interim and temporary orders, uncontested matters, consent orders, judgments on the pleadings, and final orders and judgments as authorized.

• Entering orders related to case administration and management, including appointing Guardian ad Litem and Social Services Coordinators, referring matters to Alternative Dispute Resolution and other court programs when appropriate, consolidating related cases, and addressing other case management issues.

• Hearing matters involving child support, paternity, legitimation, and other domestic relations issues as assigned.

• Issuing orders for service by publication and other procedural matters as authorized.

• Performing other judicial duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Judge, or designated Superior Court Judges.

This job description indicates, in general, the nature and level of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Superior Court of Fulton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Applicants may request a copy of the County’s EEOP Utilization Report by contacting Superior Court Human Resources at [email protected].

Department: Family Division

This is a contract position

Salary grade:

Closing date: Open Until Filled